Text: Edgar Allan Poe to Robert M. Bird — October 8, 1835 (LTR-051)

Richmond Oct. 8, 1835

At the request of Mr. Thomas W. White, Proprietor of the “Southern Literary Messenger,” published in this city, I take the liberty of addressing you, and soliciting your aid in the way of occasional or regular contributions to his Magazine. Being well aware that your time is fully occupied, I confess that I have little hope of being able so far to interest you in behalf of a merely Southern Journal as to obtain that assistance which you have refused to your more immediate neighbours. But the value of any contribution you might afford us rendered it incumbent upon me to make the attempt, at all events, in accordance with his desire.

Very respt. Yr. ob. st.
Edgar A. Poe